10 Unmissable Things to do in Prague
Prague is one of the best cities to visit in Europe and this is no surprise as it has a lot to offer to all its visitors.
This article presents you the best things to do in Prague on your first visit. These are the best Prague experiences to have while here and they are presented by Charlotte from Our Taste For Life.
Read on and discover what to do in Prague on your first trip – great recommendations for all preferences and all offering you the opportunity to discover the essence of the city. Use this article and create your Prague bucketlist and your Prague itinerary for an amaing trip!
10 Unmissable Things to do in Prague
Prague is one of the most visited cities in Europe, and rightly so. With its charming cobbled streets, striking medieval architecture, and magical fairytale charm, you have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable getaway.
There are also numerous amazing things to do in Prague. From medieval castles and historical sights on the one hand, to sprawling open parks and eccentric nightlife on the other, the Bohemian capital appeals to all types of traveller.
Our recent visit to Prague was our third time in the Czech capital, and we already know it won’t be our last. With its timeless main attractions and realm of unusual hidden gems, you always end up discovering or learning something new. We also love how Prague is the ideal destination for a variety of circumstances.
A romantic getaway with your significant other. Check. A boozy weekend with your friends. Check. An educational sightseeing holiday on your own. Check. Prague has got you covered.
Now that I’ve (hopefully) convinced you that Prague is the city break for you, you’re likely wondering what a typical Prague itinerary might look like.
So let’s dive into our list of the 10 unmissable things to do in Prague to help get you started.
10 unmissable things to do in Prague
1. Prague Castle
We kick off our list of things to do in Prague with what is the cities most famous landmark. Set high up in the hills, the striking facade of Prague Castle is recognisable from all around.
Particularly alongside the River Vltava, where the castle appears to be watching over and protecting its beloved city.
Unbeknown to some, Prague Castle isn’t a sole building. But rather a collection of structures that together complete the largest ancient castle complex in the world and one of the best places to visit in Prague.
The complex boasts an array of jaw-dropping architecture, some of which dates back as early as the 9th century. Depending on your budget & level of interest in Czech history, you could easily spend an entire morning or afternoon exploring the castle grounds.
You can find a full list of ticket prices on the website here. In my opinion, St Vitus Cathedral, the Prague Castle exhibition, and Golden Lane are the most exciting points to visit.
2. Charles Bridge
One of our favourite things to do in Prague is quite simple, but it’s a quintessential Prague experience nonetheless. The legendary Charles Bridge stands at the heart of all the action, connecting the city’s most significant districts.
Dating back to the 14th century it’s remarkably the oldest bridge still standing over the Vltava River.
You shouldn’t have to go out of your way to visit the bridge. You’ll likely pass through it multiple times during your trip by merely going about your day.
But my favourite time to visit is during sunrise when nobody else is around. During the day and night, the bridge is not only teeming with tourists but artists and performers too.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great atmosphere, but nothing competes with the peacefulness of early mornings. Throw some fog into the mix, and the eerie essence of the ancient medieval structure really comes to life.
3. Vltava River
The Vltava River is the Czech Republic’s longest river and divides Prague into two parts.
On one side is Prague’s Old Town and New Town, and on the other is the Mala Strava and Castle districts. There are a number of ways to enjoy the serenity of the Vltava River, and our favourite time of day to be there is during sunset.
Watching as the sun sets on another day in Prague is a magical experience. If you have the budget, opt for a river cruise that allows you to sit back and take in the surroundings without a care in the world. Or a cheaper option is to head down to the river banks and feed the swans.
We didn’t expect it to be, but feeding the swans ended up being one of the most memorable things to do in Prague. The best place for swan spotting is beside the Mánes Bridge just across the river from the Old Town.
The swans swarmed the banks when we were there, and we even had an unexpected visit from an otter.
4. Old Town Square
Old Town Square, or Staroměstské náměstí, is where your Prague adventures will inevitably begin. The square is the pinnacle of the city, concentrating several significant landmarks and historical Prague points of interest.
Charming cobbled streets and fairy tale architecture add to its charm, and it’s the focal point of most Prague photography. Out of all the buildings that encompass the square, the Church of our Lady Before Tyn is probably our favourite.
Boasting 80-metre twin spires that tower hauntingly over the square, we both agreed that the structure is one of the most spellbinding buildings in all of Prague.
It’s even said to have inspired the castle in Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, which is easy to believe.
Another Prague popular attraction in the square is the Old Town Hall, and most notably it’s Astronomical Clock.
Installed in 1410, it is the third-oldest astronomical clock still in operation. Every hour on the hour, the clock performs a short spectacle that albeit anticlimactic, is always a crowd-pleaser.
Depending on the time of year, you can often find markets or other events taking place within the square. On our recent visit, they hosted a sprawling Christmas market.
The festive vibes were out of this world, and surrounded by the collection of ancient and magnificent buildings, felt truly magical.
5. Drink Czech Beer
Beer plays a significant role in Czech culture. So if this isn’t on your list of things to do in Prague, you must have missed the memo. Beer is everywhere in the Bohemian capital, and often it’s cheaper to buy than bottled water.
We love a good beer, so I was excited to find out just how good the Czech beer is. As it turns out, it’s pretty damn good. And with some bars selling pints for as low as 1 euro, how can you possibly go wrong. DrinkingCech beer is definitely one of the top experiences to have in Prague.
There are also several beer gardens in Prague, which are the ideal spot to sink a few cold ones on a hot summer’s day.
Otherwise, if you think yourself as serious about beer as the Czech’s, why not check out the Czech beer museum and go on a beer tasting tour?
Or for the true beer fanatics, you can even visit a beer spa where you can literally bathe in a tub of beer. Cheers or Na zdraví to that.
6. Petrin Hill
If you’re anything like us, you may find yourself craving a spot of nature amidst the hustle & bustle of the city. Petrin Hill offers precisely that.
A sprawling open space of peaceful nature trails, beautiful old trees, viewpoints, and outdoor entertainment.
The primary feature of Petrin Hill is the Petrin Lookout Tower. At 64-metres high, the tower is Prague’s miniature answer to the Eiffel Tower. Although, with its prime hilltop position, it allows for jawdropping views of the city below.
For us, the highlight was simply strolling through the park hand in hand. Prague has a way of conjuring up all the romantic vibes, and regardless of the season, it’s a beautiful way to kill some time.
7. John Lennon Wall
Next up on our list of things to do in Prague, is the iconic John Lennon Wall. While I have to admit that I wasn’t as impressed by the wall as I expected, it’s the colourful history behind it that makes it worthwhile.
Ever since the 1940s, the wall has served as an outlet of creative expression. Initially, local artists decorated the wall in love poems and messages about global controversies.
It was only when John Lennon died in 1980, that the wall adorned its first mural dedicated to the singer. Today, the John Lennon Wall is the only place in Prague where it’s legal to graffiti.
It’s a pity, as what has the potential to be an impressive open-air gallery, is an amalgamation of so-called ‘art’, created by any tearaway with a spray can.
On the bright side, it means tourists can paint or write on the wall too.
8. Dancing House
The Dancing House is one of Prague’s most recognisable buildings. Although boasting a unique and modern facade, it’s afar cry from the gothic architecture that the city is oh-so-famous for.
If anything, the abstract structure is revolutionary, symbolising the arrival of democracy to Bohemia in the late 1980s. And although it’s a little walk outside of the main city centre, it’s definitely a spot to be considered when looking for the best things to do in Prague.
After your done snapping some photos from the outside, be sure to check out the rooftop bar for cocktails. Go easy, though; otherwise, you might end up as drunk as the building.
9. Medieval Dinner
Despite Prague’s surge in tourism and ex-pats, I love how the city preserves its authenticity. Everything that makes Prague, well Prague, never changes and that’s a good thing.
Prague just wouldn’t be the same without its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and fairy tale charm. With this in mind, when we learnt you could participate in a traditional medieval dinner, we jumped at the chance.
If there’s any place to get you in the historian mood, it’s Prague. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the budget to go all out on the attire, but we loved the fun-filled evening that the experience provided.
The dinner took place in an authentic medieval tavern, where we enjoyed a fantastic 5-course dinner with unlimited drinks and incredible entertainment.
Featuring unique performances including swordsmen, jugglers, bellydancers, and music, this is an experience in Prague we are unlikely to forget.
10. Karlsteijn Castle
Now I’ve covered the best things to do in the city centre; I want to conclude the list with one of my favourite Prague hidden gems. Located 20km west of Prague, a trip to Karlstejn Castle makes for a fascinating day trip.
After a picturesque train journey through the Bohemia countryside, we found ourselves in the whimsical village of Karlstejn. I could tell that several of the shops and restaurants in the town were geared towards tourists; however, it was winter, and nobody bothered us.
It was impossible to miss the awe-inspiring gothic castle watching over the sleepy town. Historically, the castle was built in the 14th century to hold treasures and jewels of the Roman Empire.
Today, it is one of the most famous castles in all of Czech Republic. You can walk the grounds of Karlstejn Castle for free, or you can pay for a guided tour to take a look inside.
Unfortunately, the castle was closed for winter hours when we visited, so instead, we did the Karlsteijn Castle hike which I can also recommend.
For more Cech Republic content, check out these articles from our visit to Brno, a charming small city:
- Brno Technical Museum
- Villa Tugendhat in Brno – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Karting in Brno
About the author
Charlotte and Natalie are the explorers and adventurers behind the LGBT+ & adventure travel blog Our Taste For Life. You will often find them wandering off the beaten path, immersed in nature, or enjoying authentic cultural experiences. The rest of the time, you will find them eating. Follow their journey on their blog or Instagram.
